Come for a sample; stay for a bottle

The 2008 Santa Barbara County Wine Futures events are scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Sat., March 29 and April 12 at The Wine Cask, 813 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara.

Guests may sample and purchase more than 100 wines from Santa Barbara County wineries for the first time before they are released to the public, as well as meet the winemakers, taste the wines, enjoy special futures prices, and secure allocations of highly sought-after and limited bottles.

Executive Chef John Pettitt, formerly from the 2 Michelin Star restaurant Mélisse, Gary Danko and Ron Siegel will prepare dinner.

Tickets are limited and cost $75. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit the new children's hospital at Cottage.

To reserve tickets or for information, come to The Wine Cask in person, call (805) 966-9463 or visit www.winecask.com.